Although candidates may have completed numerous courses on safeguarding already, this is not a static subject. New threats emerge and better ways of working are developed that help to reduce the likelihood of harm and abuse happening to children and young people. The ‘new threats’ of our time include cyber-bullying and cyberstalking, as well as online grooming for sexual exploitation. They also include the radicalisation of children and young people by extremists. In some instances, this radicalisation has led young British nationals to carry out terrorist activities, both here in the UK and abroad.

Therefore, this important course combines three inter-related themes: safeguarding in general; online safety; and the Prevent duty. The Prevent duty came into force as part of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act in 2015. It places a duty on educational providers and other public bodies to help prevent children, young people, and vulnerable adults from being radicalised and drawn into terrorism. This means identifying those at risk and taking the appropriate actions. Those who work with children, young people, or vulnerable adults, have a legal duty in respect of safeguarding and Prevent. This important qualification aims to provide candidates with the practical knowledge they need to be able to comply with this duty.